The Art of Possession

October 1, 2019

Ex-military, private security operative Alex is wrapping up an operation in Provence when he gets a call from his boss. A potential client has a proposal that requires Alex to attend a gala at the British Museum in London to learn the particulars. A cautious Alex arrives at the rendezvous to find the clients being assessed by an equally wary historian and curator named Malcolm. Malcolm was recently professionally humiliated and dumped by a wealthy, titled, and well-connected ex-boyfriend who now wants Alex and Malcolm to recover and authenticate a stolen artifact in time for an exhibition opening. Distrustful of the client but appreciative of Malcolm's backbone and expertise, Alex agrees. The two are soon in pursuit of the thief from London to France and then into Africa--dodging snipers and falling in love. The story is well paced; the stolen artifact plotline moves steadily toward resolution as Alex and Malcolm get to know each other and their sudden working partnership, slowly and sweetly, becomes something more. The artifact is recovered, the ex-boyfriend gets his just desserts, and the thwarted thief receives a surprising offer. VERDICT A satisfying romantic thriller from Z (Handle with Care) that settles into its happily ever after with a hum of contentment. [Previewed in Eve Stano's "Love for All," p. 16-23.]--Anna J. Clutterbuck-Cook, Massachusetts Historical Soc., Boston

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2019
After receiving a medical discharge from the Green Berets, Alex Tucker works as a private security specialist for KIS, where he handles some very high-profile missions. On the heels of successfully overseeing a kidnapping case, Alex is given an assignment with the British Museum in which he is paired up with a civilian, Dr. Malcolm Armstrong. Archaeologist Mal was disgraced several years ago after an ancient Chinese bowl he identified as a fake turned out to be the real thing. Now he and Alex are working together to retrieve and authenticate the priceless scepter of Mansa Musa which hasn't been seen for decades. Just as it was due to be donated to the museum, it was stolen. There are instant sparks between Alex and Mal, but before their mutual attraction can be acted on, they must risk their lives as they search across three continents for this ancient treasure with others coveting the artifact hard on their trail. Z keeps the action moving at a fast and furious pace in this Indian Jones-inspired same-sex romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)